Crisis Response Center Supervisor Profile: Eric Mayranen

 January 15, 2024

In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of outdoor adventuring, the role of crisis response teams becomes crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of adventurers. At the heart of this critical operation is Eric Mayranen, Operations Support Specialist (OSS) Supervisor within the Crisis Response Center (CRC) covering Overwatch x Rescue. His insights provide a window into the intense yet vital world of emergency response.

Guiding the Day Shift Team in the CRC

As the supervisor of the day shift team, Eric oversees a crucial component of Overwatch x Rescue’s operations. "I am the supervisor on duty for the day shift team," he explains, highlighting the structured organization of the CRC, which operates in shifts to ensure round-the-clock response capabilities. His team, Team Charlie, is one of four teams that tirelessly work to provide immediate emergency assistance to those in distress.

The Global Reach of Overwatch x Rescue

Overwatch x Rescue's scope of operations is global, and Eric’s team handles a wide array of emergencies. "We emphasize, mainly, that we're answering SOS calls that are going off worldwide," he says. This includes everything from maritime incidents and mountain climbing accidents to biking, hiking, and even hunting accidents. Their responsibility is immense, responding to any activated personal location beacon with urgency and precision.

The Nature of the Emergencies

Eric notes the seasonal nature of the emergencies they encounter. In winter, the focus shifts to incidents involving snowmobiles and snowshoeing, while summer brings a spike in hiking and rock-climbing accidents. "Our day-to-day operations could be everything from a motor accident or a hunting incident to a maritime rescue of a boat going down off the coast somewhere,” he explains, emphasizing the diverse nature of their work. “It really varies from day to day."

The Intensity of the Job

The job is not without its intense moments. "Some days, it's like watching paint dry. Other days, it's back-to-back to back-to-back," Eric describes. He recalls a day with 16 active SOS cases, showcasing the high-pressure environment in which the CRC operates. This intensity requires a careful balance of coordination and quick decision-making, often across different time zones and languages.

The Importance of Eric’s Unique Background

Eric’s background uniquely positions him for his role as a supervisor in the CRC. Growing up in New Hampshire, hiking was a regular activity for him, and volunteer rescue was part of his life from an early age. His diverse experiences include being a diver at 14, serving in the Navy as part of a joint service operations response team, working in underwater fiber optics, becoming a master instructor in diving, and a yachtmaster offshore. These experiences have all contributed to his expertise in handling crisis situations.

Leveraging Experience in Crisis Management

His extensive knowledge of various outdoor activities and rescue operations plays a critical role in his position in the CRC. “My capabilities to read charts,” he states, “to read topical maps. That's helped a lot, and I've been able to pass that knowledge on to the rest of the team.” This inside knowledge has proven to be extremely valuable in coordinating rescue efforts, whether on a mountainside or in the open sea.

The Role of Technology in Rescue Operations

Eric acknowledges the evolution of technology in enhancing rescue operations. While some devices only offer basic SOS signals, advancements in messaging capabilities have improved the communications between the CRC and those in distress.

“I’d just like to get the message out to everybody,” Eric states, “that when you press your SOS, yes, we are getting it, and we are gonna respond, and we are gonna do everything we can to get the best outcome for you.”

Overwatch x Rescue: Ensuring Safety in the Great Outdoors

Eric Mayranen and his team within the CRC are a testament to the importance of having a specialized support team while engaging in outdoor adventures. Their ability to respond to a vast array of emergencies, from maritime incidents to mountain rescues, is vital for adventurers who push the boundaries of exploration. Overwatch x Rescue is an emergency SOS subscription service that stands as a pillar in the outdoor community, offering not only an efficient response but also peace of mind. This support allows adventurers to explore further and with greater confidence, knowing that expert assistance is just an SOS signal away. Overwatch x Rescue ensures that every SOS signal is heard and answered so that every adventure story has the best possible chance of a safe conclusion. With the support of Overwatch x Rescue, adventurers can explore the world with confidence, knowing that they have a strong backup whenever they venture off the beaten path.